Cougar spotted at Mount Hood Community College, but officials say no threat to the public

A cougar was spotted near the Mount Hood Community College campus in Gresham on Monday morning, though officials say there is no threat to the public.

The big cat was seen near the school on the 260000 block of Southeast Stark, according to FOX 12, but the animal ran off soon after it was spotted.

State wildlife officials told FOX 12 the animal is not considered a threat because it left as soon as it was seen and no small pets have been reported missing in the area.

In October, a hiker was killed by a mountain lion on the southwestern flank of Mount Hood, the first reported death by a cougar in the state. Earlier last year, a mountain biker was fatally attacked in Washington.